Updated: July 29, 2015

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Friends of the Poncan

Evans Children's Academy

New Children's Theatre Group Starting at Poncan Theatre

The Poncan Theatre has announced a new children's theatre is being formed
through a gift of $25,000 from Patricia Evans. The new venture for the Poncan
Theatre will be called the "Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts".

Evans said in presenting the gift, "The Poncan Theatre is one of Ponca City's
treasures, as are our children. I am passionate about the arts and feel
privileged to participate in affording this opportunity for children to
experience theatre art in this unique manner."

Fred Boettcher, President of the Poncan's Board of Directors said, "This
magnificent gift will allow the Poncan to be utilized by children who are
interested in learning about live theatre. There is such a need for this type of
activity in our community and we are humbled by the generosity of Patti Evans.
She's no stranger to helping children through the arts. I think in addition to
her generosity her guidance will give the Poncan a tremendous boost in providing
services to the young people of our city."

The Evan's Children's Academy of Performing Arts will be involved in all aspects
of children's theatre. After school acting classes for children in second
through eighth grade are slated to begin on September 22nd. A new theatrical
production "A Vaudeville Christmas Carol" based on the Dickens classic "A
Christmas Carol" is scheduled for production December 4, 5, 6, and 7th. The hit
musical "Disney's High School Musical On Stage" is to be produced in February
2009.

Poncan Theatre Executive Director, Dave May stated, "Pat Evans' gift has
provided the seed money for Ponca City's first full time year-round children's
theatre organization. Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts will touch the
lives of area children and their families in wonderful ways by providing
training and performance opportunities for all area children. Of course the fact
that the children will be learning about theatre and practicing their skills in
the beautiful Poncan Theatre makes it even more exciting. It is our hope that
this gift will help attract and grow an even larger investment in children's
theatre in the future."

Patti Evans is a native of Ponca City and was married to Lloyd "Jerry" Evans,
deceased. She has two sons Bruce Evans and Lee Evans, both of Ponca City and
three grandchildren, Adam, Kimberly and Lee Jr. Pattie was appointed by Governor
Keating to the Oklahoma Arts Council for two terms in 1997, having served as
Chair for two years, from 2001 through 2003. She has also served on the board of
the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Pat is presently an advisory
director for the Whitney Gallery of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, in Cody,
Wyoming, and Mid America Arts Alliance, based in Kansas City, Missouri. She has
also served as President of the University Center Foundation, located in Ponca
City, being an affiliate of Northern Oklahoma College. Evans was appointed by
David Boren, President of Oklahoma University, to serve as a Trustee for the
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. She has also served on the board of
directors for the Oklahoma Arts Institute, and Oklahoma A+ Schools. Her
involvement with the Poncan Theatre includes serving on the Poncan Theatre
Board, being chairman of the annual "Taste and Tasteless Grand Roast" for two
years, and serving as an advisory member of the Poncan Theatre Endowment Board.
Patti is the president of the Lloyd l. and Patricia Evans Family Foundation for
Charitable Donations.

For information about the Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts contact
the Poncan Theatre at 765-0943 from 10 to 5 Monday through Friday or stop by the
theatre office at 104 E. Grand.